Now or never: Drua chase third Super W title in historic Ba final
Legge said the Waratahs would provide a stern challenge with several Wallaroos in their squad.
Thursday 23 July 2026 | 14:00
McDonald’s Fijian Drua prop Karalaini Naisewa during training at the Drua homebase in Legalega, Nadi, on July 22, 2026. Naisewa will be playing her 31st game for the Drua in Saturday’s Super W grand-final against NSW Waratahs in Ba.
Photo: Fijian Drua.
The stage is set for the first Super W grand final to be played outside Australia, with the McDonald's Fiji Drua Women and NSW Waratahs Women naming strong squads for Saturday's title decider at Govind Park in Ba.
The Drua are chasing a third Super W title, while defending champions the Waratahs are aiming for a seventh crown and a third consecutive championship.
Drua head coach Mike Legge has retained the same Match 23 that defeated the Queensland Reds in last Saturday's semi-final at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
"I am happy with our selection," Legge told SUNsports yesterday.
"We believe we have picked the team that can win us the competition.
"We know the first 20 minutes will be crucial. If we can start well and build momentum early, we can take control of the game.
"We've learned from previous matches against the Waratahs that if we start slowly, we're playing catch-up. It's massively important that we get off to a fast start this weekend and build from there."
Legge said the Waratahs would provide a stern challenge with several Wallaroos in their squad.
"The Waratahs are stacked with Wallaroos, so they've got threats all over the field," he said.
"We've identified their line-outs and set-piece as key strengths, so we have to find ways to nullify those.
"They've also got quality playmakers who control the game well. We've put plans in place to counter those threats, but we'll need to do it for the full 80 minutes."
Waratahs head coach Mike Ruthven has opted for a 6-2 bench split, with halfback Piper Simons returning after recovering from a knee injury. Flanker Taj Heald also joins the bench.
"The team is extremely excited about the opportunity we have this week to compete for another Super W title," Ruthven said.
Waratahs vice-captain Desiree Miller said the team had overcome difficult moments during the season by confronting its performances.
She said those sessions of "confronting the truth" had helped the side regain confidence as they chased a third straight Super W title against the Drua.
The grand final kicks off at 1.05pm on Saturday at Govind Park, Ba.
LINE-UPS
McDonald's Fiji Drua Women:
- Karalaini Naisewa, 2. Keleni Marawa, 3. Tiana Robanakavu, 4. Mereoni Nakesa, 5. Carletta Yee, 6. Nunia Daunimoala, 7. Salaseini Railumu, 8. Sulita Waisega, 9. Kolora Lomani (captain), 10. Varanisese Qoro, 11. Aqela Raitubu, 12. Josivini Naihamu, 13. Merewairita Neivosa, 14. Atelaite Buna, 15. Litiana Vueti.
Reserves: 16. Bitilia Tawake, 17. Zipporah Sorokacika, 18. Keri Lawavou, 19. Karavaki Lutumaibau, 20. Alfreda Fisher, 21. Evivi Senikarivi, 22. Repeka Tove, 23. Verenaisi Ditavutu.
NSW Waratahs Women:
- Brianna Hoy, 2. Brittany Merlo, 3. Faliki Pohiva, 4. Leilani Nathan, 5. Kaitlan Leaney, 6. Ruby Anderson, 7. Emily Chancellor (captain), 8. Piper Duck, 9. Tia Hinds, 10. Waiaria Ellis, 11. Desiree Miller, 12. Rosie Ferguson, 13. Pleuni Kievit, 14. Maya Stewart, 15. Caitlyn Halse.
Reserves: 16. Nancy Volkman, 17. Emily Robinson, 18. Bridie O'Gorman, 19. Grace Gillies, 20. Nicole Nathan, 21. Taj Heald, 22. Piper Simons, 23. Amelia Whitaker.
